“I think not,” said the scout quietly.
“Stay away from the H-P ranch, amigo,” urged Nate.
“But it’s necessary for you, necessary for peace on the Brazos, that I call on him. So I’m going.”
When the scout spoke in the tone of voice he used then, further argument was useless. Everybody was burning with curiosity to know what he had at the back of his head, but he continued smilingly indefinite.
“Cayuse,” said he, when he had finished and risen from the table, “go out and get Bear Paw ready for the trail. In two hours,” he added to Perry, “I want all the rest of you to ride to the forks of the trail just where it divides for Hackamore and the Circle-B ranch. If I’m not there with Phelps when you get there, wait for us. Benner will ride with you, Perry. The Circle-B men will take care of the ranch until we get back.”
“I don’t like ther pizen lay-out, not noways,” declared Nomad, “but orders is orders. Ef we wait more’n two hours fer ye at the forks o’ ther trail, and ye don’t come, I’ll ride ter Phelps’ hangout, an’ purceed ter tear things.”
“Don’t do anything rash, Nick,” counseled the scout, leaving by the kitchen door and climbing into his saddle.
At the edge of the timber he drew rein to talk with Benner.
“I’ve got something important to say to you, Benner,” said he, “and my time is limited. Mount and ride a ways with me.”
“I’ll do it.”